Quick summary of key school information
School details
| Most common nationality |
South Korea, China, India |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
70% local : 30% international |
| Native English speaking teachers |
The highest foreign teacher’s ratio comparing to the other similar range international schools in Penang. All Primary form tutors are foreigners and the Secondary teachers in major subjects are taught by the foreigners as well. 90% of foreign teachers are from England so they are native English speakers. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin |
| Max. number of students per class |
Maximum class size shall be 25. |
| Average number of students per class |
As a young school SIS class sizes are currently quite small, ranging typically from 15-20 students. |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
As a technology enabled school, every student enrols into Year 4 and above utilizes Google Chromebook to enhance their learning experience. The school also practise Google Classroom to facilitate paperless communication between teachers and students and streamline educational workflow. |
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE |
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
SIS runs separate learning support for special educational needs with the requirement of parents hiring an external shadow teacher. Further information about special educational needs can be acquired from the Admissions department. |
| Entry evaluation for students |
Assessment |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
KG1 - G1: 1-day trial class
|
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
SIS accepts students into the school all year round – there are no set intakes. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
| School start time |
7:45 |
| School finish time |
KG1 - KG2: 14:30
|
| School bus service available |
Yes. The school has two transportation providers that provide pick-up and drop-off services to all areas on Penang Island and selected areas in Mainland. |
| School provided lunches |
Yes |
| Uniform required |
Yes |
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Wushu, Taekwondo, Aikido, floorball, ball games, yoga, table tennis, aerobics, badminton, swim speed and technique, football, futsal, basketball, ballet, Hip Hop, Zumba, choir, orchestra, percussion, piano, violin, trumpet, flute, clarinet, saxophone, guitar, drums, ukulele, robots, chess, playdoh sculptures, design and technology, crafty creations, mandala drawing, sketching, creative arts, board games, debating, problem solving |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
| Sports facilities at the school |
Swimming pool, futsal pitch, kindergarten playground |
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Straits International School Penang offers a stimulating, safe and supportive learning environment, defined by its pursuit for excellence in all areas and based on its guiding belief in the ideal of meritocracy. SIS fosters a positive and rewarding learning community, with a strong emphasis on respect for all individuals irrespective of race, creed or belief systems. |
| Teaching approach of the school |
SIS aims to nurture and prepare its students to take up their places in an evolving and challenging world, striving for continuous excellence in their pursuits but tempered with empathy for others. |